Description

Play – at least the kind that builds brains and forwards development – is becoming an endangered activity among those who need to engage in it most. Part of the problem is the premature pressure on children to learn and to become socialized. Another factor is the amount of screen time that children engage in. The most significant factor however is the failure to provide the conditions that result in the kind of play that helps children realize their true potential.

The information contained in this two-hour course is a must for all parents, day-care providers, and early childhood educators who wish their young charges to become all they were meant to be. Play is not optional from a developmental point of view. Participants not only learn what kind of play is most beneficial but also how to support this activity in children. The information in this two-hour seminar applies to children of all ages although the primary focus is young childhood.

Dr. Gordon Neufeld is a Vancouver-based developmental psychologist with over 45 years of experience with children and youth and those responsible for them. A foremost authority on child development, Dr. Neufeld is an international speaker, a bestselling author (Hold On To Your Kids) and a leading interpreter of the developmental paradigm. Dr. Neufeld has a widespread reputation for making sense of complex problems and for opening doors for change. While formerly involved in university teaching and private practice, he now devotes his time to teaching and training others, including educators and helping professionals. His Neufeld Institute is now a world-wide charitable organization devoted to applying developmental science to the task of raising children. Dr. Neufeld appears regularly on radio and television. He is a father of five and a grandfather to six.

Testimonials

“I have no words to express my appreciation to Gordon Neufeld and to Hirose for bringing this valuable, life-changing information. The material taught resonates professionally and personally too. Thank you!"- Aliza Terris | Oakville, ON | May 15-17, 2017"Fantastic presentation, informative and valuable for me personally and professionally. Gordon is brilliant and engaging. Very happy to have attended today."- Mike Van de Hengel | Oakville, ON | May 15-17, 2017"Helped me gain more knowledge about my students, the people around me and myself."– Carmen Azzopardi| Oakville, ON | May 15-17, 2017“Thank you, and yes, you are changing the world. Maybe not as fast as you want, but you changed my world this week, and you can be sure that I will be using what I’ve learned to change the lives of many others!"- Stephanie John | Oakville, ON | May 15-17, 2017

“This was a wonderful workshop, presented with clarity, simplicity and yet, good depth for awareness and understanding. I felt so encouraged by Dr. Neufeld’s way of cutting through the mental health rhetoric and greatly empowered by his focus on relational and instinctive approaches. Thank you!”- Vancouver, BC | Feb 27-March 1, 2017

“Really enjoyed this workshop. I could see this as a larger workshop, maybe 2 days. I feel it is an extremely important topic and glad it is offered. So much information to take in and use. Thank you! Dr. Gordon Neufeld is an amazing and knowledgeable speaker. A must attend presenter!"- Calgary, AB | April 5-7, 2017

“Absolutely life changing course on all levels. This will not only greatly impact my work with children, families, and schools, but also my journey of self-growth and empower my skills as a parent and adult figure in many children's lives.”- Laura Rose, Cmn Therapist | Winnipeg, MB | June 1, 2016

“Thank you so much, this was extremely useful and also intellectually stimulating!”- Sarah Moar | Saskatoon, SK | May 18, 2016“I buy into your philosophy, both as a parent and as a teacher. I have already 'swam against the stream' as an at-home parent of 11 years. I shall continue to live this philosophy and trust nature and love, love, love my own children and students.”- Saskatoon, SK | May 16 - 17, 2016

“Bang on, excellent work. Makes sense of what is going on in the world today! Thank you.”- Saskatoon, SK | May 16 - 17, 2016

“Dr. Gordon Neufeld is amazing. A very informed presentation. I am glad I could attend and look forward to attending future workshops!” - Saskatoon, SK | May 16 - 17, 2016“I personally loved the long history' style intro. More speakers need to do this. You underscore and synthesize the multiple contributors that illustrate where psychology has come from. Love! The science part! More chemistry and physics please. A truly gifted and needed speaker in this field. I have gotten so much out of this workshop both professionally and personally. Gordon's way of speaking is incredibly professional, he cannot stop working for along time!! I will want to both do more courses and come back with my husband and do this again. Thank you, will see you again.”- Nicole McLeod | Vancouver, BC| March 2, 2016“Dr. Neufeld is an excellent presenter, effective speaker, and extremely knowledgeable about child development. The information presented over the three days has given me new ways to see and evaluate situations. I look forward to reviewing the information and finding out how to use the strategies from this paradigm research. Thank you!”
- Kim Nelson, School Counsellor | Halifax, NS | June 1 - 3, 2015"Gordon Neufeld was extraordinarily engaging and inspiring. His work resonates strongly with my work in special education and counselling.”
- Angela Psalios, School Counsellor | Edmonton, AB | May 25 – 26, 2015“Incredible. Relevant. Easy to grasp. Engaging. Life changing. Thank you!”
- Angela Walker, Teacher | Edmonton, AB | May 25 – 26, 2015“Dr. Neufeld effectively answered all questions I had and then some. I feel empowered with a new understanding of the development of anxiety and how to encourage others through their own process of healing.”
- Catherine Tetreault | Edmonton, AB | May 25 – 26, 2015“Wow! What a phenomenal speaker Gordon Neufeld is! I learned so much these 2 days and definitely intend to take it into my practice. I will be evaluating my parenting based on the insight gained in this seminar.”
- Samantha Weppler, School Counsellor | Edmonton, AB | May 25 – 26, 2015

“Fantastic! I can immediately use this knowledge and understanding when I return to work tomorrow with my students.”
- Winnipeg, MB | May 26 – 28, 2014

“Gordon was one of the most engaging facilitator I have come across – and I have attended MANY workshops. Great flow of information, I loved the use of human anecdotes to make the material more meaningful. Far exceeded my expectations."- Danielle C | Calgary, AB | May 21 – 23, 2014

“I have attended many of Dr. Neufeld’s courses. Every time I listen to his approach, it reaffirms my beliefs and feelings towards kids. This approach is simple yet it is not easy. I appreciate the way Dr. Neufeld shares the information - it has profoundly affected me both personally and professionally. I always look forward to more opportunities to attend Dr. Neufeld’s speaking engagements. I always take away more information, and it reminds me of the things I may have forgotten."-Carmen Hansen | Calgary, AB | May 21 – 23, 2014

“Opened my eyes to a new way of thinking about students – from the very first slide! Thank you."-Cynthia Jones (Enviros) | Winnipeg, MB | May 26 – 28, 2014

“I have attended several of Dr. Neufeld’s workshops and I have used his ideas and suggestions in my work as a Guidance Counsellor with high school students. I have seen firsthand what a positive impact they have on kids, and the adults in their lives.”
- Calgary, AB | May 21 – 23, 2014

“This topic was refreshing and practical for use in my personal and professional life, a validation of what I now know has always been in my heart.”
- Jo-Anne Lane | Calgary, AB | May 21 – 23, 2014

“Thank you so much for continuing to accept these speaking engagements. Such an honour to be here and learn from your expertise. I feel so confident going home to my preschoolers – thank you so much. Best workshop I have attended – so practical!”
- Calgary, AB | May 21 – 23, 2014

“Such an amazing workshop. I am so grateful that I can hear and share this material with fellow teachers and adoptive parents.”
- Marta Stepanovich | Calgary, AB | May 21 – 23, 2014

“Thank you! This will be so helpful to me personally as well as professionally in my work as a therapist.”
- Janet L (Therapist) | Winnipeg, MB | May 26 – 28, 2014“This workshop has given me a clearer and stronger focus for all my teaching relationships with children and teens. Understanding Gordon Neufeld’s perspectives of attachment just might have changed my life.”
- Laureen Guenther | Calgary, AB | May 21 – 23, 2014

“Dr. Neufeld’s seminar was eye-opening. It was a revelation for me as a parent, teacher and spouse.”
- Winnipeg, MB | May 26 – 28, 2014

“Gordon Neufeld is a clever, creative, insightful person who has integrated a great deal of material intelligently and deeply. I appreciate this after 50 years of working with people as a therapist. I was pleasantly surprised and excited to integrate this material – and it all went well beyond my expectations. From my heart to yours Gordon, thank you.”
- Judy Haid (Therapist) | Winnipeg, MB | May 26 – 28, 2014“My first time hearing Gordon and it won't be my last. Unbelievable, marvelous, and inspiring - it is a true privilege to be here. You are incredible and a true gift to the world - thank you so much for sharing your wisdom, thoughts, and perceptions. I'm taking so much away to not only help with my profession, but my own personal life. ”- Calgary, AB | May 21 - 23, 2014“Dr. Neufeld’s material has completely changed my approach towards my own children, as well as other children in my care. I find his theories revitalizing and genuinely life-changing. I strongly believe his work is vital to our society’s future success. His work has opened avenues for my husband and I that we never thought possible. We greatly admire his work, we share it with family and friends constantly, and we are thrilled at the hope it has given us for raising our highly sensitive children.” - Skye Curtis | Calgary, AB | May 21 – 23, 2014“One of the most significant learning experiences I’ve ever had with Jack Hirose training. Excellent and brilliant presenter, who created hope for me working in a rather ‘hopeless’ milieu. I would definitely attend another workshop by Dr. Neufeld. I am very appreciative of his presentation style – very truthful, entertaining and dynamic. I won’t look at ‘resistance’ in kids the same way again. Thank you so much – I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to attend.”- Bev Read (Child & Adolescent Mental Health Therapist) | Calgary, AB | May 21 – 23, 2014“Finally! This makes sense! Beautifully presented. This information needs to be heard by all parents and caregivers.”
- Winnipeg, MB | May 26 – 28, 2014

“Love it. So important to my work as a mom and counsellor.”
- Winnipeg, MB | May 26 – 28, 2014

"I find all of Gordon Neufeld’s seminars and DVDs amazingly informative, inspirational and refreshingly full of truth! I always leave with more knowledge and inspiration, and a renewed confidence in how to pursue beautiful relationships with the children in my care. Gordon is a gift to all who love and are responsible for raising children.”
- Winnipeg, MB | May 26 – 28, 2014